Biomimetic-induced hydroxyapatite for rebar corrosion mitigation in self-healing concrete beam

The corrosion of embedded rebar in self-healing concrete is seldom reported on and deserves more intensive attention. This study focuses on utilizing biomimetic-induced hydroxyapatite as a means of achieving autonomous self-healing to target issues associated with rebar corrosion in concrete structures. A comprehensive evaluation of the synthesized supramolecular hydrogel as self-healing agent carrier, the simulated self-healing products, and the reinforcement corrosion behaviour in the upscaled self-healing concrete beams was conducted. Results show that the synthesized 2,6-bis [N-(carboxyethyl carbonyl)amino] pyridine (DAP) hydrogel qualifies as a healing agent carrier with high loading capacity and intelligent response after cracking. The feasibility of hydroxyapatite formation via a combination of phosphate ions released by the supramolecular hydrogel and the available calcium ions leached by the cement matrix has been substantiated. The addition of phosphate as the healing agent is effective in mitigating the corrosion of rebar in the designed self-healing concrete beam. It can be explained by the synergistic effect of surface adsorption of chloride ions by the formed hydroxyapatite and the corrosion inhibitor role of the released phosphate.